Blackpool Football Club: Introduction

Blackpool Football Club, commonly known as “The Seasiders” or “The Tangerines,” is an English professional football club based in Blackpool, Lancashire.

Currently, Blackpool plays football in English League One. The staff at the Fanbase wish the club and supporters all the best for the future. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the club:

Before we continue, here’s a link to the club’s official website.

History and Formation

Blackpool F.C. was founded in 1887. The club initially played in various regional leagues before becoming a founding member of the Second Division of the Football League in 1896. Over the years, Blackpool has spent most of its history bouncing between the top three tiers of English football.

Blackpool Football Club: Colours and Nickname

• Colours: The club’s traditional home colours are tangerine shirts with white shorts. This distinctive colour was adopted in 1923 and has since become synonymous with the club.
• Nicknames: People often refer to Blackpool as “The Seasiders,” due to the town’s seaside location, and “The Tangerines,” after the colour of their home kits. They also have the name “The ‘Pool.”
• Supporters Nicknames: The fans also have these names, Tangerine Army or Seaside Barmy Army.

Blackpool Football Club: The Stadium

• Bloomfield Road: Blackpool plays its home games at Bloomfield Road, a stadium with a capacity of around 16,616. It has been the club’s home since 1901. The stadium has undergone several renovations, most notably in the early 2000s, to modernize its facilities. On a good day, the crowd are a fantastic bunch that creates a great atmosphere.

Notable Achievements

• FA Cup Victory (1953): Blackpool’s most famous achievement came in 1953 when they won the FA Cup. The final, often referred to as the “Matthews Final,” is one of the most famous in English football history. Blackpool came from 3-1 down to beat Bolton Wanderers 4-3, with legendary winger Sir Stanley Matthews putting in a memorable performance.
• First Division (Premier League) Play: Blackpool reached the pinnacle of English football by earning promotion to the First Division (now the Premier League) in 1953, with their highest finish being second place in 1956.
• Anglo-Italian Cup: They also won the Anglo-Italian Cup in 1971.
• Recent Success: The club experienced a resurgence in the late 2000s, earning promotion to the Premier League in 2010 after a dramatic Championship play-off final victory over Cardiff City. Although their stay in the Premier League lasted just one season, it was a remarkable achievement for the club.

Although Blackpool has not won many major honours, it does have a lot of history. Indeed, the club’s trophy cabinet is full of minor cups.

Blackpool Football Club: Famous Players

• Stanley Matthews: Perhaps the most iconic player to have ever played for Blackpool. Indeed, Sir Stanley Matthews is one of the greatest footballers in the history of the game. He played for Blackpool from 1947 to 1961 and was instrumental in their 1953 FA Cup win.
• Jimmy Armfield: Another legendary figure, Armfield was a one-club man, spending his entire playing career at Blackpool from 1954 to 1971. He was also part of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad.
• Alan Ball: A member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team. Moreover, Ball played for Blackpool in the early part of his career before moving on to bigger clubs.

Recent History

• 2000s Resurgence: After a period in the lower leagues, Blackpool began to climb back up the English football ladder in the 2000s, culminating in their 2010 promotion to the Premier League.
• Ownership Issues: The club was embroiled in significant turmoil during the 2010s, largely due to disputes between fans and the Oyston family, who owned the club. This unrest led to boycotts and protests, significantly impacting the club’s performance.
• New Ownership: In 2019, Blackpool was sold to Simon Sadler, marking the end of the Oyston era and beginning a new chapter for the club.
• Recent Competitions: As of the 2023-2024 season, Blackpool is competing in League One, the third tier of English football, after experiencing relegation from the Championship in the previous season.

Rivalries

• Preston North End: Blackpool’s main rivals are Preston North End, with whom they contest the “West Lancashire derby.” The rivalry is one of the oldest in English football.
• Burnley and Fleetwood Town: There are also rivalries with nearby clubs Burnley and Fleetwood Town, though these are generally less intense than the Preston rivalry.

Community and Supporters

• Fan Base: Blackpool has a loyal and passionate fan base, which has remained steadfast through the club’s ups and downs. The club has a strong community focus, with various initiatives and outreach programs.
• Supporters’ Trust: The Blackpool Supporters’ Trust is an active group that played a significant role during the turbulent years of the Oyston ownership, advocating for fan rights and better governance.

Current Squad and Management

• Manager: As of the latest season (2024), the team is managed by Neil Critchley, who returned to the club after a brief stint at Aston Villa. His tactical acumen and youth development focus are highly regarded.
• Squad: The current squad consists of a mix of experienced professionals and young talents, with a focus on rebuilding and pushing for promotion back to the Championship.

Future Prospects

Blackpool F.C. is working towards stabilizing and progressing under new ownership. With a solid foundation in place and a passionate fanbase, the club aims to return to the higher tiers of English football and build on its historic legacy.

Blackpool Football Club Promotion

What we are talking about here is the promotion of Blackpool on the Football Fan Base. Indeed, if you support Blackpool FC, then the Fanbase here is the ideal place to brag about your team.

So, now that you know we are on your side, join in and have your say.

If you don’t, other football supporters will, and Blackpool will look like a poor relation! Of course, Blackpool is the greatest team in the world, isn’t it?

** Information updated on August 31, 2024.